Jul 18, 2012

Son of a Preacherman by Marlene Banks

A historical romance novel set in the 1920s in Tulsa, Oklahoma depicting the segregated life of African Americans in Northern Tulsa and the tensions leading up to the Tulsa Race Riots.

Billy Ray Matthias is the handsome son of the church's new pastor. Benny is the daughter of the oil rich Freeman family. He's convinced she's the woman God has for him but she's not the least bit interested in getting involved. As Billy's pursuit of Benny intensifies, so does the political and social climate in the Greenwood District, an affluent African American neighborhood.

When tensions come to a head and violence breaks out, Billy and Benny are caught up in the heat of chaos. He vows to keep her safe but will she let him? Will faith in God be enough to sustain the people of Greenwood as their lives are forever changed by deadly acts of hatred?

MARLENE BANKS lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She attended Westminster College in Pennsylvania and has an Associate of Theology Degree from Rhema Bible Institute in Keysville, Virginia. She is a member of Bethel Deliverance International Church pastored by Bishop Eric A. Lambert II in Wyncote, Pennsylvania. Marlene worked in nursing for over thirty years and in business as an administrative coordinator for over eight years. Her goal as a writer is to create inspiring, gripping and realistic tales with an emphasis on African American literature. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, she considers her writing a Kingdom assignment from the LORD.

I had the opportunity to review another book by Marlene Banks titled Ruth's Redemption a while back. When I heard about her latest title Son of a Preacherman, I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy.

Once again, Marlene took me on a journey that I won't soon forget. Taking a look at the tumultuous and violent times in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the early 1920's was a real eye opener. What I especially enjoyed was reading this story from the perspective of the black population. So often, I think we get a very one sided and incomplete version of events, and I believe this story is a realistic and heart wrenching account of some very unfortunate events.

The characters were believable, lovable and incredibly transparent. This is not a fluffy look at a "perfect" pastor's family and the members of their congregation. They struggled with everyday wants, thoughts and desires, and their lives were far from perfect. They experienced the good along with the bad, and the way they dealt with the trials in their lives is a true inspiration.

In my opinion, Marlene Banks is an author to watch. She is an exceptional writer, and she tackles some controversial topics that many would prefer not to talk about. I highly recommend this book and look forward to seeing what this author comes up with next.

Disclosure: Ebook received through Net Galley courtesy of Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review.